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Michael Swan & Catherine Walter
Oxford
English
Grammar
Course
Advanced
A grammar practice book for
adv; anced students of English
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OXFORD
UNIVERSITY
PRESS
pu bl isher's acknowled
gements
The authors and publisher are grateful to those who
have given permission to reproduce the following
extracts and adaptations of copyright material:
p32 Extract from'Wildlife Expedition Cruising FAQs'
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k.
184 (businessman/Stockbyte),
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Reproduced by permission of Nl Syndication.
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copyright a 1952 Dylan Thomas.
Reprinted by permission of David Higham Associates
Einarsson Kvaran).
and New Directions Publishing Corp.
p253 Extract from'Errors & Omissions: Another
distinctively British usage gets lost on its way across
the Atlantic'by Guy Keleny, 28 August 2010,The
Independent. Reproduced by permission.
p276 Extract from As Others Hear Us by E M Delafield
o E M Delafield. Reproduced by permission of PFD
www.pfd.co.uk on behalf of the Estate of E M Delafield.
Sources:
p277 www.expatax.nl
lllustrations by:
a nd I ustrators:
pp: 15,95,25; Ed Mclachlan: pp 118,127,141, 188;
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Peter Lawrence/Oxford Desi g ners
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The publisher would like to thank the following for their
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109 ('The problem with you...'/y'ictoria Roberts); 1 1 ('We
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can't say new...'/Tuohy); 233 ('How to rob...'/Farley Katz);
269 ('lt sort of makes...'/S Gross);
The Spectator: pp 6 ('Don't you ever switch off...'/Paul
Wood); 1 1 ('Toast training school'/Linden); 14 ('How
romantic...');43 ('l've wired his electric chair'/Husband); 43
('Mrs Dunne is here...'/Husband); 48 ('That s an excellent
idea...'/Moulson);57 ('My baggage has gone to Helll/
GeoffThompson); 1 10 ('Before you turned up...'/Austin;
1 13 ('No nurse...'/Nicholas);124 ('No, kickboxing is down
the hall...'/Nick Downes); 207 ('Listen, I'll call you back...'/
Baker);223 ('How to eat while readingl/S Harris);
0 ('Do come out Rover. . .'/
Jeffrey Rotman), 77 (sperm whale/Denis Scott), 1 12
(Michael Jordan/Neal Preston), 172 (Strawberry and
creamAVinkelmann, Bernhard/the food passionates);
Getty lmages pp22 (headphones/Business Wire), 37 (cave
The Tessa Sayle Agency:
painting/Robert Frerck/Stone); Nature Picture Library
pp77 (leafcutter ant/Stephen Dalton), 77 (froglKimTaylor);
Philip Hargraves p22 (charger); OUP pp77 (cheetah/
Corbis/Digital Stock), 87 (Jefferson Memorial/Photodisc),
Every effort has been made to trace the owners of the
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pleased to hear from any copyright holder whom we
have been unable to contact.
iv
p.1
Ronald Searle);
NewWoman: p 2 ('l've spent...'/Cole)
contents
introduction
some useful grammatical terminology
VI
viii
list of topics
X
Part 1: word and sentence grammar
2
Part2: grammar beyond the sentence
250
appendices
296
answer key
312
index
339
a
uthors' acknowledgements
This book, like the earlier volumes in the Oxford English Grommar Course series, has benefited
enormously from the hard work and professionalism of our editorial and design team at Oxford
University Press. ln particular, we would like to acknowledge the contributions of our remarkable
editor, Sarah Bleyer, and our equally remarkable designer, Phil Hargraves, who have once again
made it possible for us to write and publish the book that we wanted to, and whose input is
evident on every page.
introduction
Who is this book for?
fhe Oxford English Grammar
Course (Advanced Level) is for people who have a good knowledge
of English, but who want to speak or write more correctly, perhaps for academic or professional
purposes.
What kind of English does the book teach?
This book teaches modern British English. lt deals with the grammar of speech and writing in
both formal and informal styles.
How is the book organised?
There are two parts.
1
Word and sentence grammar
Part 1 deals with the structures that are important at this level for combining words into
sentences. lt has seventeen Sections, each covering a major topic and containing:
an introduction to the topic
a number of one- or two-page lessons with explanations and exercises
a (in most Sections) two or three'More Practice'pages.
*
r
2
Grammar beyond the sentence
Part 2 contains lessons on the structures that are important for writing and reading more
complex texts. Much of this material will be helpful to university students. Other lessons in
Part 2 deal with the grammar of natural informal conversation.
(Note that there is not always a clear dividing line between sentence grammar and text
grammar, so some topics appear in both Part 1 and Part 2.)
What about revision of elementary grammar?
Even advanced students can still make elementary mistakes. This book contains a number
of 'revise the basics'lessons to help students consolidate their earlier learning. However,
students who have serious problems with basic accuracy should work through the
appropriate Sections of lhe lntermediate Level before studying this book.
Does the book give complete information about English grammar?
Even the biggest grammars cannot contain everything that is known about English. The
explanations and exercises in this book cover all the points that are really important for
advanced students; there are additional notes giving further information on complex
points. For more details, see PracticalEnglish Usage (Swan, Oxford University Press 2005),
of the English Language (Huddleston and Pullum, Cambridge
University Press 2002) or A Comprehensive Grammar of the English Language (Quirk and
others, Longman 1985).
Some language problems come in the area between grammar and vocabulary. Grammars
can only give limited information about the grammar of individual words; for detailed
explanations, see The Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary.
The Cambridge Grammar
vi
INTRODUCTION
Does the book give enough practice?
This book gives a great deal of practice
- more complete and varied than any similar book.
Some exercises simply focus on structure; others make students think, solve problems, express
opinions, talk about their experience etc. This is enough to fix the structures and rules in
learners'minds and help them towards much more correct language use. But no single practice
book can completely bridge the gap between conscious knowledge of a rule and the ability to
apply it spontaneously in communication. This will come with further experience and language
use; the exercises that are being developed for the Oxford English Grammar Course website
www.ou p.com/elt/oxford en g is h g ra m ma r wi I h el p.
I
I
Grammar and real life
The Oxford English Grammar Course shows how grammar is used in real-life communication,
in authentic or adapted texts from newspapers and magazines, letters, quotations,
advertisements and many other sources. (Please note that, when we quote a text that
expresses an opinion, the opinion is not necessarily oursl The text is simply provided as an
interesting and memorable example of the structure being studied.)
Grammar and pronunciation
The'Pronunciation for grammar'CD-ROM gives practice on:
* intonation
* unstressed words and syllables
c word and sentence stress * grammatical endings
* linking words together.
5nying aertencer pnsr ten9r!
kot
at €a.b ,€nten.e. lhen li.!er, ind rcF.t
id.
I
rlr nril
rL
n :{J
rr bantr trnt
J
si<.iv!.!
rh6a
a
I
Henrinq conlraclionr:
lirkd
nnd
prr!*tl pede(lar
pas?
rher$ thd.orr*4t nn6il€r!,
{s
{t
$
t$
The exercises focus on hearing as well as speaking: for many language students, the main
problem is not saying things correctly, but hearing exactly what is said. The CD-ROM also
offers practice in listening to speakers with different native accents (English, Scottish,
US
American) and to speakers whose first language is not English.
Examinations
This book teaches all the grammar (and more!) that is needed for Common European
Framework Levels C1 and C2, and is suitable for learners studying for The Cambridge
Advanced Examination in English, Cambridge Proficiency or the IELTS Examination.
With our best wishes for your progress in English.
/l,rl,,JR^^
M
INTRODUCTION vii
some useful grammatical terminology
active and passive: Isee, she heard are active verbs; /
am seen, she was heard are passive verbs.
adjective clause: the same as relative clause.
adjective: for example big, old, yellow, unhappy.
adverb clause: An adverb clause acts like an adverb
in another clause. For example We left as soon as
we could. (Compare We left immediately.)
adverb particle: A short adverb like up, out, off , oflen
used as part of a phrasal verb (e.9. clean up,look
out).
adverb: for example quickly, completely, now, there.
affirmative sentences or statements are not
questions or negatives - for example larrived.
a rticles: a/ a n (' indefinite a rticle'); fhe ( defi n ite
article').
auxiliary verbs are used before other verbs to make
questions, tenses etc
I
- for example do you think,
have fi nished, she is working. See also modal
auxiliary verbs.
clause: a part of a sentence with a subject and verb,
usually joined to the rest of the sentence by a
conjunction. Mary said that she was furious has
two clauses.
sentence.
comparative: for example older, better, more
See also
beautiful, more slowly.
complement: 1) a part of a sentence after a verb
that gives more information about the subject or
object. For example John is an engineer; Ifeel tired;
They elected Sandra president.
2) a word or expression needed after a noun,
adjective, verb or preposition to complete its
meaning. For example the intention to return; full of
water;They wentto Germany; in the garden.
conditional: a structure using the conjunction if.
conjunction: for example and, but, if, because, while.
consonant: see vowel.
contraction: a short form like lh, you're, he'll, don't.
countable nouns: the name of things we can count for example one chair, three cars; uncountable (or
'mass') nouns: the names of things we can't count,
like oil, rice.
declarative question: a question that has the form of
a statement. For example This is your car?
demonstrative: thit that, these and those are
demonstrative determiners or pronouns.
determiner:
a
word like the, some, many, my,which
goes before (adjective +) noun.
viii
SOME USEFUL GRAMMATICAL TERMINOLOCY
discourse markers are words and expressions which
help to structure spoken exchanges and written
texts. For example first of all, anyway, by the way,
right.
ellipsis: leaving words out. For example '[Have you]
Seen John?' 'No,lhaven't [seen John].'
emphasis: giving special importance to one part of
a sentence, expression or
word. For example /t wos
the marketing manoger who phoned. No, I wanted
blackcoffee. Related words are emphasise and
emphatic.
formal, informal We use formal language with
strangers, in business letters etc: for example
'Good afternoon, Mr Parker. May I help you?'We
use informal language with family and friends: for
example'Hi, John. Need help?'
fronting: moving part of a clause to the beginning
to give it more emphasis or to focus on it. For
example Ann ie I quite like, but her sister ljust can't
stand.
gender: (ln English) the use of grammatical forms to
show the difference between male and female, or
between human and non-human. For example he,
she, it, who, which.
generalising: talking about a whole class of people
or things. For example Penguins don't fly; I like
chocolate.
identifying: saying exactly who or what you
are
talking about. For example Henry Bartlett; the
woman over there in the corner; my first car; the
woman who phoned just now.
imperative: a form like Go home, Don't worry, which
we use when we tell or ask people (not) to do
things.
indirect speech: the grammar that we use to show
what people say or think for example Jo hn said
that he was ill.
infinitive: (to)go, (to) sleep etc.
informal: see formal.
intransitive: see transitive.
inversion: putting a verb before the subject. For
example Are you ready? So do l. Here comes
Arthur.
link verbs connect subjects to complements, not to
objects. For example They are Russian; She seems
nice.
modal verbs or modal auxiliary verbsi must, can,
could, may, might, shall, should, oughtto, will and
would.
noun clause A noun clause acts like the subject or
object of another clause. For example How she did
it was a mystery; I understood what they wanted.
Noun clauses are common in indirect speech.
noun: for example chair, oil, idea, sentence.
noun phrase: a phrase based on a noun. For
example the first cor that I bought.
object: see subject.
participle: see present participle, past participle.
participle clause: a clause containing a participle,
not a tense. For example Walking to the window, I
looked out.
particle: see adverb particle.
passive: see active.
past participle: for example gone, seen, stopped. (ln
fact:'past'participles can refer to the past, present
or future).
perfect infinitive: (to) have seen, (to) have started etc.
personal pronouns: for example l, you, us, them.
phrasal verb: a two-part verb formed with an adverb
particle I for example cut up, breakdown, run
away.
phrase: a group of words that belong together
grammatically. For example dead tired; would not
have understood.
plural: see singular.
possessives: for example my, youn mine, yours;
John's, my brothers'.
prediction: saying what will happen. For example
/
think we're going to lose; You'll be sorry.
preparatory subject/object: /f put in the place of a
longer subject or object, which comes later. For
example lt's important to believe in yourself; She
made it clear that she was disappointed.
preposition: for example at, in, on, between.
prepositional verb: a two-part verb formed with a
preposition. For example look at, listen to.
present participle: for example going, sleeping. (ln
fact,'present'participles can refer to the past,
present or future).
progressive (or tontinuous'): for example He's eating
(present progressive); They were talking (pasl
progressive).
pronouns: for example I, you, anybody, themselves.
quantifier: a determiner that shows how much/
many we are talking about. For example all, most,
little.
question tag: for example isn't it?, doesn't sheT
reduced relative clause: for example the people
invited (meaning'the people who were invited').
refl exive pronouns: mys elf, you rself elc.
relative clause: a clause that begins with a relative
pronoun. For example the man who bought my
car.
relative pronouns: who,which and thatwhen they
join clauses to nouns. For example the man who
bought my car.
reply question: for example'l had a great time in
Holland;'Did you? I am glad;
rhetorical question: a question with an obvious
answer or with no answer. For example: Who's a
lovely baby, then?
sentence: A written sentence begins with a capital
letter (A, B etc) and ends with a full stop (.), like
this one. A sentence may have more than one
clause, often joined by a conjunction. For example:
I'll come and see you when I'm in London. lf one
clause is part of another, it is called a'subordinate
clause'; the other is the'main clausei Clauses with
equal weight are called to-ordinate clausesi
short answer: for example Yes, I am; No, we didn't;
Theywill.
singular: for example chair, cat, man; plural:for
example chairs, cats, men.
stress: giving a syllable, word or phrase more
importance by pronouncing it more loudly or on a
higher pitch.
subject and object: ln She tookthe money everybody saw her, the subjects are she and
everybody; the objects are the money and her.
subjunctive: a special verb form that is used to talk
about possibilities rather than fact. For example /t3
important that she inform the police. lf I were you.
Modern English has very few subjunctives.
superlative: for example oldest, best, most beautiful,
most easily.
tense:She goes, she is going, she went, she was going,
she has gone are different tenses (for a list, see
page297).
third person: words for other people, nol
I
or you
-
for example she, them, himself, John, has, goes.
transitive verbs normally have objects - for example
break, improve, fel/. lntransitive verbs don't usually
have objects
- for example
sleep, breathe, stay.
uncountable nouns: see countable nouns.
verb: for example sit, give, hold, think, write.
vowels: a, e, i, o, u and their usual sounds;
consonants: b, c, d,f, g etc and their usual sounds.
SOME USEFUL CRAMMATICAL TERMINOLOGY ix
list of topics
4 past and perfect tenses
pages 40-57
SECTION 1 basic sentence types
pages 2-l 5
SECTION
introduction
2
questions: revise the basics
2-3
negatives: revise the basics
4
not and no
5
6-7
8-9
negative questions
more about negatives
10-11
imperatives
let's; let me elc
12
exclamations: revise the basics
more practice
13
sEcTtoN
2
be,have and
14-15
do pages 16-21
introduction
40
simple past and past progressive:
41
revise the basics
42-43
present perfect and simple past:
revise the basics
present perfect progressive: revise the basics
simple past and present perfect: summary
44
45
more about simple past and past progressive 46-47
more about the present perfect
48-49
50
more about the present perfect progressive
past perfect: revise the basics
51
more about the past perfect:
52
time conjunctions
introduction
16
be: progressive forms; do be
16
past perfect prog ressive
53
there is: revise the basics
17
54
there is: more complex structures
18
this is the first time etc
more practice
hove: revise the basics
19
20-21
do: emphasis
SECTION
55-57
5 modalverbs
pages 58-77
3
present and future
SECTION
pages 22-39
introduction
22
present tenses: revise the basics
23
nstructions, commentaries, stories
more about present tenses
24
i
non-progressive verbs
future: revise the basics: will, going to
or present progressive?
more about the present
going to and will
be + infinitive: I am to
future progressive
future perfect
future in the past
more practice
LIST OF TOPICS
...
progressive,
25-27
28-29
30-31
introduction
modals: revise the basics
ability: can and could
permission: can, could, may and
58
59
60-61
might
62
obligation: must and have (got) to
obligation: should and ought to
certainty: must, can't, will,
63
64
should
65
probabilityandpossibilityimoy,might, 66-67
can, could
32*33
may have gone, should have told
etc
34
better
be supposed to
35
will and would'. willingness; typical
68-70
had
etc
36
37
38-39
usedto
need
more practice
71
71
behaviour
72
73
74
75-77
SECTION
6 passives pages 78-87
nouns for activities: using have,
introduction
revise the basics
78-79
reasons for using passives
80-81
complex passive structures
other advanced points
82-83
84-85
more practice
86-87
SHCTION
78
7 infinitives and -ing forms
pages 88-1 09
89
90-9
infinitive without fo
verb + infinitive
93
94-95
96-97
verb + object + infinitive or -ing form
infinitive and -ing form both possible
98-1 01
phone calls to make; nothing to eat
infinitive with its own subject: for
r
92
verb + -ing form
...
1
to
02-1 03
104
...
to...ing
105
determiners with -lng forms:
106
elc
107-109
more practice
i 34-1 35
reflexives (myself etc); each other
/
136-137
one another
one, you and they (general meaning)
138
singular they
139
one(s)
139
140-141
112-113
and adverb particles
more about prepositional verbs
114-115
more about phrasal verbs
116-117
verbs with two objects
1
some causative structures wilh have,
120-121
110
111
18-1',I9
get and make
122-123
more practice
10 determiners (1): articles,
demonstratives and possessives
pages 142-',55
SECTION
introduction
142
articles: preliminary note
142
articles: revise the basics
143-145
more about generalising with a/an
146-147
and the
articles:other
points
demonstratives:fhls,
that,these,those
possessives: my, mine
more
practice
1
1
elc
148-149
150-15i
152-153
154-155
determiners (2): quantifiers
pages 156-",7",
introduction
verbs with object + adjective/noun
complement
revise the basics: verbs with prepositions
9
133
SECTION
I
various structures with verbs
pages 1 10-123
SECTION
132
structures after nouns
personal pronouns
88
perfect infinitives and -ing forms
SECTION
132
a note on gender: he, she or it?
more practice
introduction
revise the basics
my speaking
make,
do etc
nouns and pronouns
pages 124-141
introduction
124
countable and uncountable
125
mixed singular and plural
126-127
noun + noun or preposition structure
128-129
possessive structure or other structure
130-131
introduction
all
whole and all
both
either and neither
every and each
some, any, no, nonei revise the
156
157
158
159
159
160
basics
article
some
moreabout anyandno
much, many, more and most
Iittle, few, less, fewer, /eosf and fewest
enough
quantifying phrases
of with quantifiers
more practice
161
some/any or no
162
more about
163
LIST OF
164
165
166
167
168
169
170-171
TOPICS xi
12 adjectives, adverbs
comparison pages172-191
SECTION
and
SECTION
15 adjective (relative) clauses
pages 208-217
introduction
172
introduction
adjective or adverb?
173
relatives: revise the basics
adjectives: order
position of adjectives
174
identifying and non-identifying
208
208-209
210
relative clauses
175
participles used as adjectives
176
adjectives without nouns
177
reduced relative clauses
prepositions in relative clauses
structu res after adjectives
adverb position (1)
178
relatives: other points
212-213
214-215
179
more practice
216-217
adverb position (2): with the verb
180
comparison: as ... as
181
-er and -est or more and mosf?
182
double comparative structures
183
more about comparatives
184
more about superlatives
185
much, for elc with compa ratives
186
and superlatives
much in affirmative sentences?
187
such and so
188
like and as
more practice
189
SECTION
1
90-1 91
13 prepositions
pages 192-199
introduction
192
192
in and on (place): revise the basics
193
df (place and movement): revise the basics
prepositions with -ing forms
193
end-position of prepositions
195
prepositions before conju nctions
six confusable prepositions
196
six more confusable prepositions
198
more practice
199
194
197
14 conjunctions,clauses
and tenses pages 2OO-2O7
introduction
200
conjunctions: revise the basics
201
and and or
202
double conjunctions : both ...and;
203
(n)either ... (n)or
tensesimplificationafterconjunctions 204-205
past tense with present or future
xii
practice
LIST OF TOPICS
introduction
meaning
206
207
218
indirect speech: revise the basics
218-219
indirect speech: more about tenses
indirect speech: other points
220-221
222-223
verbs in thaf-clauses: subjunctives
224
verbs in that-clauses: should
225
more about thaf-clauses
226
more about question-word clauses
preparatory lt
227
228-229
more practice
230-231
17 adverbclauses
pages 232-249
introduction
232
if
lf
232
how many'conditionals'?
revise the basics
unless
lf and ln case
if
if
more advanced points
informal structures
notes on some conjunctions
whoeve r, whatever, wh erever etc
participle clauses
SECTION
more
SECTl0t{ 16 noun clauses
pages 218-231
SECTION
time: revise the basics
211
233-234
235
23s
236-238
239
240-242
243
244-245
ofter ...ing, on ...ing etc
246
infinitive clauses
247
more practice
248-249
information structure: what comes first?
information structure: getting the right
251
252
subject
pronoun problems
253
linking clauses with conjunctions and
254-256
adverbs
special word order: fronting
special word order: inversion
257
258-259
emphasis: it ... thot
260
emphasis: what ... is/was
261
discourse markers
reading complicated sentences
262-269
270-273
complex noun phrases in writing
274
mixed structures
275
ellipsis after auxiliaries
276-277
ellipsis with infi nitives
278
ellipsis with so and nof
279
ellipsis afler and, but and or
280
ellipsis at the beginning of spoken
the structure ofspoken sentences.
short answers, reply questions and
sentences
281
282-283
284-285
question tags
three kinds of spoken question
politeness: using questions
286-288
politeness: being indirect
290-291
289
emphasis in speech: stress
292
repetition
293
abbreviated styles
294
news headlines
295
LIST OF TOPICS
xiii
The basic subject-verb-object structure of simple affirmative sentences should be well known at this level.
Rules for the formation of questions, negatives, imperatives and exclamations are revised briefly in this
section, and some more advanced points introduced. More complex q?es of spoken and written sentence
structure are covered in other parts of the book: see the Table of Contents or the Index for details.
questions: revise the basics
?
;'
word order In most questions, we put an auxiliary verb before the subject
even with long subjects.
Are Annie and the rest of the family coming tomorrow? (Nor *re-eommgAwrie
Can all of the team be here at ten otlock?
..
not the whole verb,
.?)
If there is no other auxiliary verb, we use do (+ infinitive without fo).
What does'hyperactive' mean? (Nor
@)
Note that do may come twice in questions: once as an auxiliary and once as a main verb.
What does your brother do?
question-word subjects When who and what are subjects, we normally make questions without do.
Compare:
.whoSL;tslsaidthat?',Lucy\t'nt'o,of/raf.,(n.o'r.f,yW)
<WhooBt
did you invite?' 'I invited Oliver"ttt.'
,whafLl]lhappened?,,SomethingstfAngesLiLsIhappened.'(Not}{@)
<Wha{)Lrt
did he say?' 'He said something sttange()t)t.'
The same thing happens when subjects begin
with question-words which, what, whose, what sort of
or how much/many.
Which team w on? (No' r Wh'tffi)
What country won the last World Cup?
How many students live here? (Compare How many stutlentsotit did yovs|nt invite?)
Whose dog dug up my Jlowers?
However, do can be used with question-word subjects for special emphasis.
'Ollie didn't get the
job;
'Really? So who did get it?'
Correct the mistakes or write'Correct:
p. How you pronounce 'thorough ? ..4p..Uq*.
p
I
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
l0
What happened? ..9?.Yf.e.?Y"....
What time the train leaves?
Whatmeans'understudv'?
Why she is crying?
Has the man from the Export Department telephoned?
What I must to do now?
Does the 9.30 train for Bristol leave from platform 7? .............
The postman has been?
Who does live next door?
Which car costs more? ........
What sort of music does help you to relax?
BASIC SENTENCE ryPES
f
A
i'.'
Make questions. Ask about the words in italics.
\a) Markloves Emma. (b) Mark loves Emma.
>
1
t s). .w\ p. .t qv.q : .?.ww rl . . .(.b). .w tr p. .4.q p: . Y srP. .t qve?.
(a) Rob bought ajacket. (b) Rob bought ajacket.
2
(a) Oliver lost his credit card. (b) Oliver lost /rls credit card.
3
(a) Kara has broken her leg. (b) Kara has broken her leg.
4
(a) This srr.i-fkills flies. (b) This stuffkillsfies.
5
(a) Mike caught the first plane. (b) Mike caught the Jirst plane.
6
(a) Hrs brother collects Chinese paintings. (b) His brother collects Chinese paintings.
7
(a) Her child broke our window. (b) Her child broke our window.
..
.
Prepositions often come at the end of questions, especially in informal speech and writing.
Who are you
waitingfor?
What's that book about?
It is possible to begin with the preposition, but this is generally very formal.
With whom did Mozart collaborate? On what do blue
whales feed?
This order is unusual or impossible in informal speech.
NOt
Two-word questions ending with
'Rose is getting
married.' 'Who
a
preposition are common in conversation.
to?'
'I've been thinking.' 'What about?'
:
'r;i;$:,
ffi
Write questions for these answers, beginning Who or What.
>'I went with Alext ..'.Wtr?..d.1.4. .A?.* 9.q.Y:!YV.i :. . .............
1
'The article's about microbiologyi
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
'She gave it to her sisterl
'I was talking to Emma.'
'You can open it with thisl
'The letter was from my bank manager.' ...................
'She hit me with her shoel
'My brother works for Globe AdvertisingJ
'I'm thinking about lifel
Complete the conversations with two-word questions.
> 'I'm writing a novel.' ..'.W.trgy3\q*!3:..............
'Love, life, art and deathl
I
2
3
4
5
6
7
'His piano teacherl
'We're
moving.'
... 'North Walesl
... 'Superglue.'
... 'MyselfJ
'I've mended the printer.'
'I've bought a presenti
in love again.' ........
'I managed to stop the baby crying.'
'We're going to France for a weekl
'sophies got engaged.'
'Pete's
... 'Chocolate.'
... 'Pat and Iuliel
... 'To an old school friendl
Notel A few prepositions do not normally come at the end of sentences
During whose lesson did youfall
asleep?
(Not
(see page 195).
a4hoseffiarhg?)
BASIC SENTENCE
TYPES
3
negatives: revise the basics
structure To make negative verb forms, we put not or n't after an auxiliaryverb or be. If
there is
no other auxiliary, we use do. In standard English, we dont normally use notor
do with negatlve
I
words like never, hardly, nothing. (But this is common in many dialects.)
The Minister has not made a decision. She couldn't swim. It wasn't
He never says much. (No.t I@.t;
oa@)
I hardly noticed the interruption.
We saw
(Notffitytotie
raining.
I don,t
care.
...)
nothing. (Nor 1tvffit-seerothn' ry:)
i.;i: Correct the mistakes or write,Correct,.
>
'I
2
J
4
5
6
you ner-understood ..4.y4.ry.o.\.**.4.ef:lg*4.....
It hardly matters.
..g?.yfp:qy.
....
George never is in the olfice.
There wasnt nothing that I could do.
Fred not likes travelling. ..............
The rooms have not been cleaned today. ........
Nothing didn't happen
I do never drive at night.
7
We hardly didn't have time to think.
B
You dont must pay now.
Put the letters of the expressions from the box into the texts.
A cannotbe B can'tafford C didnotpay D doesn,thave E doesn,topen F doesn,ttalk
be allowed I not be shown J not been named K not been paid
L nothing can justify M wouldn,t have to
G no longer H not
A police anti-terrorism Ty
/f
advertisement has been banned.
The advertisement asked people to look out
suspicious behaviour by their neighbours,
describing a man who i... to people,2... his
curtains, and 3... a bank card but pays for
things in cash. The authority that regulates TV
advertising banned the advertisement because
for
this could offend or throw suspicion on innocent
people, and ruled that the ad should 4... again.
who hos 5 '
A 37-yeqr-old Swedish motorisl'
sports cor ot
Mercedes
his
driving
i.t "t*n1
be given o
could
Z'qOfrtlf,"in Switzerlond' ond
Under
OBm
SFr]
of
fine
*"r.ii-[".r.0 speeding
is determined by ihe
fine
of
ievel
the
r.*,
i*it.
r".itn "itn" driver ond the speed recorded
"6 o
nlo"of police spokesmon soid thot
properly
speeO ot 2gokm/h. The cor 7
"
lt must hove tqken 50Om to stop
travel company has collapsed, leaving
1,000 customers stuck in Spain.
llover
One holida)'maker said that he and his familyhad
an all-inclusive hotel on
the Costa Brava, but they have now been asked
to pay again for the whole week or leave. .Well,
we just B ... thati'he said. "We paid everything in
, paid the companyfor
:
i
I advance so we 9... spend anymoneywhile we're
: awayi'Another group in the resort of Lloret de
: Marwere notified
as theywere sunbathing that
the all-inclusive deal they had paid for was 10 ...
r valid. One woman said her family offive was
: presented with a bill of 2,700 euros _ more than
the original cost of their holiday - and told they
ifthey 1 1 ... it theywould t 2... anymore food or
drink. Hoteliers are also suffering; one said he had
100 rooms currentlybooked through the travel
:
company, but had
ctntrotteO
Note: do and not with negative words Do
'I've split up
is possible with a negative for emphasis.
with my girlfriend.' 'I'm not surprised. I never did like her.'
And not can contradict the meaning of another negative word.
I didn't say nothing - I said'Hello,.
BASIC SENTENCE TYPES
t
: ... for
any of them.
*
not and no
structures wit}l^ not We use nof to make
a
word, expression or clause negative.
NotsurprisingIy,shefailedherdrivingfesf.(No.r.l@...)
I'veworkedinScotland'butnotinIreland'(Nor...ffi)
She was talkingto Andy, not you. (Nor... noaon) I do not agree.
Nof can refer to dillerent parts of a sentence. However, in a clause with
with the verb, whatever the exact meaning.
Peter didn't study art at Cambridge.
*tffigeor.@)
meaning of no We use /lo with
a
a
verb, nof normally goes
(Nor@
oyffi
noun or -ingform to mean'not any'or'not a/an'.
No pilots went on strike. (='There werenit any pilots on strikei)
We've got no plans for the holiday. (= '... not any plans ...')
I know you're tired, but that's no reason to be rude. (= '... not a reason.')
NOPARKING AT WEEKENDS.
:
ffi Corr".t (/) or not (X)?
>
>
I
2
3
ffi
Not Biil phoned, but Pete. rY
I have no idea where Susie is. /
I speak Spanish, but no very well. ...
There are no messages for you. ...
We play tennis not on Sundays. ...
4
5
6
7
8
We play tennis, but not on Sundays. ...
No trains are running today. ...
The trains are not running today. ...
l'm sorry, Mary's no in today. ...
Not this street is the right one. ...
Complete the sentences with words from the box, and choose not or no.
Use a dictionary if necessary.
attend cash describe entrance excuse humour intend
office
/
repaired revise worry
F We speak Spanish in the ..dfi??.................. , but no /@athome.
I There's no / not parking in front of the station
2 She was no / not able to .............
her attacker.
3 There's no / not
for that sort ofbehaviour.
4 They
my watch, but no / not properly.
the schedule now.
5 Weve gol no / not time to .............
6 I can
a meeting, bt no / nof tonight.
tobehelpful.
7 T1ne receptionistobviously didno / not ............
'Do
8
you ...........
a lot?' No / Nof usuallyi
9 She's a woman with no / not sense of ..............
10 I always pay ............
I've got no / not credit cards.
NOTES
not
The exact reference of not can be shown
PETER didn't study medicine at Cambridge.
Peter didn't study
in speech by STRESS.
(lt was Susan.)
MEDICINE at Cambridge. (He studied biology.)
In writing, we can use a special sentence structure ifnecessary (see page 260).
It
was not Peter who studied medicine at Cambridge, but Susan.
not all, not every We most often put notbefore a subject beginning with aII or every.
Not all British people drink tea. (LESS coMMoN: All British people don't drink tea.)
Not every bird can Jly. (Lpss corntuoN, Every bird cannot Jly.)
BASIC SENTENCE TYP[S
negative questions
construction Negative questions can be constructed in two
coNTRAcrEn (ruronnrar)
n't after auxiliaryverb or be
Why didn't she answer?
ways.
uNcoNTRACrEl (ronivrer,, uNusunr)
not after subject
Hasn't Emma phoned?
Why did she not answer?
Has Emma not phoned?
Aren't they at home?
Are they not at home?
We say aren't
l?,notamti#
'Aren'tI next?'
itiil
'No, Harry is.'
(BUrNorffi)
Make these questions more conversational.
>
1
2
3
4
5
6
why did you not phone? . .Wtr U.41.4.ry'.Y.Ap.*.f.\p*p.1....
.......
....
.
Who did they not tell?
Areyou not well? ..........
What did we not understand? .............
Was the office not open?
Do you not speak Chinese?
Are we not in the right place?
answers to negative questions Note how we use Yes and No in answers to negative questions.
The choice depends on the answer, not the question. Yes goes with or suggests an affiimative verb;
No goes with or suggests a negative verb.
'Don't you like
Add
Yes
it?'
'Yes
(I like
it).'
Aren't you ready?' 'No
(fm not
ready).'
or No to the answers.
>'Cantyouswim?''..Y9:..... ., I canl
1
'Dont you understand?' '..............., I dontl
Ann tell you?''..............., she didl
3 'Wasn't the post office open?' '..............., it was;
4'Hasnt shephoned?' :.............., she hasl
2'Didnt
5'Didnt he agree?' :..............,
6
he
didntl
'Isn't this awfull' 1.............. , it isl
7'Arentyou hungry?''..............., I aml
8 'Can t you find the address?' :.............., I can't.'
'Don't you ever switch off, Jeremy?'
checking negative ideas We-often use negative questions to check that something has not happened, is
not true, etc. The meaning is like 'Is it true that ... not ... ?'
Hasn't Mary phoned? I wonder if she\ forgotten. ( = 'Is it true that Mary hasn t phoned?')
Can't you come this evening?
These questions can also express surprise that something has not happened, is not happening,
etc.
Haven't the tickets come
yet?
Didn't
he tell you he was married?
The structure is often used in rhetorical questions
(see page 287).
Can't you read? It says 'closed',
6
BASIC SENTENCE TYPES
-
questions which dont ask for an answer
Don't you ever listen to what I say?
.#F Use negative questions to check the following negative ideas.
> It looks as if she's not at home. .. !:*:!.9.b.q.?!..49ry9?.
1 It looks as ifyou dont understand. ...........
2 So you havent read this book? ........
3
4
5
6
7
8
Do you mean that Magnus hasnt got a work permit?
Perhaps you didnt get my message.
I think perhaps you didnt turn the lights off.
It seems as if you cant understand English. I said'Go awayi .........
Is it true that he didnt pass his driving test? ..........
I'm afraid you dont like English food. .........
checking positive ideas Negative questions can also check that something is true.
Didn't you
see
Peter yesterday? How is he?
(='I
believe you saw Peter ...')
l
ffi
negative questions to make sure that these things are true. Put in words from the box.
Use a dictionary if necessary.
tvtat<e
appointment deposit insurance
>
/
interest profit reservation washer
I think we paid the fire ... last month.
..Pv.4.ry'.\.vpNU.!.\t.{yr.c.i*:*r.q.rygr,.lq:t.wp*!.43.
I
You made a ... for dinner at 8.00, right?
2
I'm pretty sure Ann paid a 10% ... with her order,
3
I thought you said you were going to put
4
I believe that this account pays 3% ...
5
My ... with Dr Masters is at 10.30, surely?
6
The
firm made
a
..
. of haif a
a
new ... on the tap
million euros last
year, no?
Negative questions are also common in exclamations (see page 13).
Isn't it
hot!
Doesn't the garden look
Note polite invitations
Won't you come
nice!
Wasn't that lecture boring!
We can use Won't/Wouldn't
,
..?
in polite invitations.
in?
Wouldn't you like something to drink?
Why don't you. . . ? is also used in this way (eur Nor Why won't you
Why don't you join us for a drink? (='Please join us . . .')
Wlry won't you join us for a drink? (='Why dont you want to?')
We do not use negative questions to ask people to do things for us.
...
?). Compare:
me? You couliln't help me, could you?
Nor Can't you help me? (This sounds like a criticism.)
Can you help
BUT
BASIC SENTENCE
TYPES
7
more about negatives
I don't think etc We usually use I don't think + affirmative verb, not I think + negative verb.
The same is true with believe, suppose, imagine and similar verbs.
I don't think you know loe. (uonr usual r'ulx I think you don't know
I don't believe she\ at home.
I don't suppose you can lend me some money?
Joe.)
However, withhope we normally make the following verb negative.
I hope it doesn't rain. (No'r W1ni1R:)
For expressions like I hope so/not, I believe so/not, see page 279.
.
rlllii Change the sentences and choose the best words to complete them.
Use a
p
dictionary if necessary.
The laboratorv hasn't completed the analvsis / insoection. (l / think\
dqw't thL^B
ttne.rab|y.qygy .4.q: .yp,y*.tqy.:94. .t!.q.?*la:i:
I Y";;;;p;.r'"iin.'-..,ing isnt quite exact / accurate. (we / betieve)
1
2
You didnt understand the lecture / conference. (I / suppose)
3
You dont know Ruth's slfe / whereabouts. (I / suppose)
4
lohn won't read the instructions / lecture I sent him. (I / imagine)
5
Emma doesnt have
6
I didnt make my intentions / inventions clear. (I / think)
7
You didn't remember to apply
8
The company hasn t got enough fgures / funds to continue trading. (I
a
drivinglicence / record. (I
/ book
/ think)
ottr plane tickets. (I / suppose)
/
believe)
There is a similar use of not and other negative words with seem, expect and wantbefore an infinitive.
He doesn't seem to like you. (r-rss ronuer- rHeN He seems not to like you.)
I don't expect to be back before Monday. (r.ess ronnel rneN I expect not ...)
I never want to see you again. (woxnNAruRAL THAN I want never to see . ..)
;i,i:'' Change the sentences.
> He's probably not from around here. (He doesn't seem ...)
. .l!.q .4? ts r.: Y .t gqy.y e. .V p. f re.y. ?y ?.** 4.\?.y.Q : . . . . . . . . .
8
1
I dont think shei ready.
2
I probably won t be home late. (I don't expect . . .)
3
I would hate to climb another mountain. (I never want . ..)
4
It doesn't rain much here, apparently. (It doesn't seem ...)
5
I probably won't pass the exam. (I don't expect ...)
BASIC SENTENCE TYPES
(She doesn't seem)
6
He is determined not to get married. (He never wants . ..)
7
I dont think the water's hot. (The water . .. seem . . .)
8
I would hate toworkwithhim. (... never want ...)
9
I don t think
l0
I'11
be here tomorrow. (. . . expect
..
.)
I dont think the heating is working. (... seem ...)
or When not refers to two or more verbs,
not ...
nouns, adjectives etc, we usually join them with or.
He doesn't smoke or drink. (Norffi)
She wasn't angry) or upset.
It's not on the table or in the cupboard.
However, we can vse nor after a pause, to separate and emphasise a second idea.
Our main need is not food, nor money. It is education.
nor on Wednesday.
She didn't phone on Tuesday,
Note that neither cannot be used in this way.
For neither . .. ror. see page 203.
,
jri Write about two things that you don't do (or like or want).
,
. .1
.4q *|.1
.s!.*a
.
q.r
3.lg
u
.q.ry.
.tryF.lryyq*y.-.
....
.
NOTES
not ... because Negative sentences with because-clarses can often be understood in two ways.
I didn't sing because Pat was there. (= 'I didnt sing' or 'I sang, but for another reasonl)
The confusion can be avoided by reorganising the sentence.
Because Pat was there,
I didn't sing. on I sang, but not because Pat
was there.
ertta not In informal speech, expressions like I don't think or I don't suppose are often added after
a negative statement. This makes no difference to the meaning of the statement.
driving test, I don't think.
midnight, I don't suppose.
Also in informal speech, a negative verb (without a negative meaning) is sometimes used after
expressions of doubt or uncertainty.
I shouldn't be surprised if they didn't get married soon (= '. .. if they got married.')
I wonder whether I oughtn't to see the doctor. (= '. .. whether I ought .. .')
She hasn't got much chance of passing her
We won't be home before
ain't Theword
ain't is very common in many English dialects (but is not used in modern standard English). It means
'am/arelis not' or'have/has notl
We
ain't ready
We use
yet.
I ain't got a clue what she wants.
nor and neither rather than also nof. Note the word order.
The chief engineer was
not in the building and nor was his assistant.
(Nor...M)
'I didn't think much of the game.' 'Neither did
For negative subjunctives (e.g. It is iup ortant that
she
L'
not be disturbed), see page 224.
BASIC SENTENCE
ryPES
9
imperatives
structure and meaning Imperatives look the same as infinitives without fo. We use imperatives
to tell people what to do, advise them, encourage them etc.
Get some butter while you're
out.
Look
again.
Have another cup.
Negative imperatives begin with do not / don't. (Note: these can be used before be.)
Please do not
Don't
park
in
front of this garage. Don't listen
to him.
be afraid.
Always
and.
never come before imperatives.
Always checkyour change.
(Nor@)
Never start something you can't Jinish.
(ei[ibttre
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
best way of completing each sentence (in your opinion), or
Always / Never say'Yes'if you dont understand.
Always / I,lever read the small print on a contract
Always / I'{ever do today what you could put off till tomorrow. ............
Always / Never keep cheese in the fridge.
Always / Never wear a hat at mealtimes. .............
Always / Never expect the best from people.
Always / Never think twice before you buy something you want.
Always / Neyer trust your first impressions of people
write'lt depends'.
Write a piece of advice for people, beginning Alwoys or Never.
Emphatic imperatives begin with do (this can be used before be).
Do stop shouting! Do come in and sit down. Do be careful.
:. What might somebody
say in the following situations? Make sentences beginn ing Do,
using the words and expressions in the box.
be back by midnight be careful come
shut up use my car use my phone /
again
have some more
coffee
let me help
Somebody needs to contact her mother.
Do kse wtu thowe.
..."...........u.r...............
Their child is going to cycle to school through heary traffic.
2
Their guest has just finished her coffee
3
Their fourteen-year-old child is going out to
4
Somebody needs to fetch her mother from the station.
5
Somebody has got too much to do.
6
A child is screaming non-stop.
7
They would like another visit from their friend.
a
party.
'Do come out, Rover,
Susan won't bite.'
1O
BASIC SENTENCE TYPES
imperatives with subjects If it is necessary to make it clear who is meant or who we are speaking to,
an imperative can have a subject (usuallyyou or an indefinite pronoun).
lohn, you take the car, and Mary, you take the children on the bus.
Somebody answer the phone, please, I've got my hands full.
Note the position of subjects in negative imperatives.
Don't you come in here or I'll call the police. (Nor
Don't anybody say a word. (Norz@=ay
rffit-cotne
...)
...)
A subject can also be used to make an order, invitation etc more emphatic.
You take your hands
of me!
You
just
sit down and
relaxfor a bit.
We dont put subjects in emphatic imperatives.
You comehere. oyDo comehere.survol
Wffia
imperative + and/or An imperative followed by and or or
like an ry'clause.
can have a
conditional meaning,
Come in here and I'll call the police. (= 'If you come in here, I'll call the police.')
Walk down our street any day and you'll see kids playing.
Stop singing or I'll scream. (= 'If you dont stop singing, I'll screami)
{p
{p
Correct
I
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
l0
(/)
or not (D?
you think. ...
Do be careful when you're driving. ...
Open somebody the door, please. ...
Dontyou talkto me likethat. ...
Do you be quiet. ...
Dont anybody interrupt, please. ...
Buy me a drink and I'll tell you my life story. ...
/-ao,1sr V^l
Say always what
Never drink and drive. ...
Answer you the door, John, can you? ...
Dont never interrupt Andy when het working. ...
/Jff#'r:/r15.111__
_z'g.---l/\,
__;::i
l--
-l/
tlffi
,btgafl
L!
'No, no, always ru.ra
uiJa
side down!'
nere are some of the instructions for using a universal communicator
(in 2150 everybody will have one). Put in the missing words from the box.
'Always aim at complete
harmony of word and deed.'
(Mahatma Gandhi)
'Never underestimate the
power of human stupidity.'
'Never, neve! never give up.'
'Always end the name of
your child with a vowel,
so that when you yell the
(Robert A Heinleinl
Always do right.This will
please some people and
astonish the rest.'
(Mark Twain)
'Never follow the crowd.'
name will carry.'
'Never bend your head. Always
hold it high. Always look the
world straight in the eye.'
(Bemard Baruch)
(Bill Cosby)
(Helen KeIIer)
(Winston Churchill'l
BASIC SENTENCE TYPES 11
Iet's; let me etc
structure and meaning We can use lef's (or let us - very formal) + infinitive without to to make
suggestions or give orders to a group that includes the speaker (like a kind of imperative).
Let's play
poker.
Let's go
out this evening. Let's be quiet and listen to Cad'
The normal negative is Let's not
...
.
Let's not spend too much on the holiday.
Don't let's... is informal; Let us not and Do not let us are very formal'
Look, don't let's get upset,
OK?
Let us not forget those who came before
us.
question tag The usual question tag (see pages 284-285) fot let\ is shall we?
'Let's have a
porty, shall we?'
'Yes, let's.'
Let me. .. When we say what we are going to do, we can soften the announcement, and make
more polite, with Let me ... .
it
This doesn't taste very nice. Let me try adding some sugar.
I'm sorry that wasn't clear. Let me put it another way.
TWo very common expressions for gaining time are Let me see... and Let me
think ,...
I cook? Let me see. Suppose each person eats two . ' .
round? Let me think - Tuesday's no good . '.
have
Granny
When are we going to
So how many potatoes should
Let's see is common with a similar meaning.
What shall we have for supper? Let's see. There's some left-over chicken. Or I could cook up some posta.
Or we could phone for an Indian ...
,, Put in let's or let me with words from the box.
go invite see take tell think worry
......agameoftennis.
1..............
....... thebosswhatwethinkof him.
2 .............
..... - I'm free from 10.00 onwards.
3 A meeting? ...............
about the price - I want to buy it.
not ............
4 .............
....... out for a pizza, shall we?
5 .............
6 Dont
fosie - she's so boring.
'Whatwouldyouliketodoonyourbirthday?'
... foraminutel
:................
7
the bus - Id rather walk.
8 .............
not ............
have
;
Correct
I
2
3
4
5
6
(/)
or not (D?
Not let's start arguing. ...
Let's have a game of snooker, will we?
Let me try to explain. ...
Let us be silent for a moment. ...
Let's dont forget to phone Annie. ...
Who can we invite? Let's see. ...
Note: Let him... etc A structure with
. -s..
-S't
irvl
,3jT
a
'That's his problem. Let
Let there be no doubt in your minds about our intentions.
.12
BASIC SENTENCE TYPES
oJ.*
,S,
'spiing is nature's way of saying, "Let's party!".'
(Robin Williatns)
riih
."'"F
,:.,..\
$,+'P',.
!t:
third-person noun or pronoun is also possible.
him sfarve.' (informal)
fsh.'
Let our enemies be under no illusions: we can and wiII defend ourselves. (formal)
Note also the structure with there.
And God said: 'Let there be light'.
'The kid says he doesn't like the
* ,'-*
.f.4 \
-d.
';!ite,
.\1.
'%
lt
exclamations: revise the basics
How .,,! andWhat ,..!z word order Note the word order in these exclamations.
The complete expression with How . . . or What. . . goes before a subject and verb (if any).
How dfficult this is! (NorIMffiifut!)
How convincingly he argues! (Nor@)
What alot of nonsense Andy talks!
We dont drop articles after What.
What a brilliant idea ! (Not Wffi)
$ Change the sentences into exclamations
>
with How or What.
These grapes are sweet.
.Y.qY. rY 9?y. yv !,t !, .a9.P.99. .q r.q! . . . . . . . . .
.
>
She wears lovely jewellery.
..v!.4*.!ey.qlu. jpvplleyu:h?y:rr.s.!.
I
It was
2
This computer loads slowly.
3
The days seemed long then.
4
I made a big mistake.
5
We all played well on Saturday.
6
The time goes fast.
7
His poetry is boring.
8
Those people make a lot of noise.
a waste
of time.
We can use negative questions (see page 6) as exclamations.
Isn't she
ffi
sweet!
Doesn't he look
happy!
Wasn't it strange!
Cnange the sentences from Exercise 1 into exclamations with negative questions.
>
'I
2
3
4
..4Y?*1.\w1q.gr9?99.ry?gI!.......
. .Pc?:*:!. s.\.9.y e'.q.r .l?v 9.\a tpy.ellsral.
..............
.............
.............
.............
...............
5.............
6.............
7
.............
8.............
BAs'C SENTENCE TYPES 13
more practice
;
',
Five of sentences 1-1 0 are quite formal, and would be uncommon or unnatural
in conversation. The others are normal. Write'F'or'N'.
I want never to see you again. F
r What do they want? N
ts
I
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
j
''
The dog seems not to like
you. ...
I don't believe him. ...
I think you haven't met my sister. ...
Let us consider what we are to do next. ...
Are you ready? ...
Why did you not wait for me? ...
I dont suppose you're hungry. ...
From where do you come? ...
Do come in. ...
I dont eat meat or fish. ...
Seven of sentences 1-12 are wrong. Correct the mistakes or write'Correct:
p
|"
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
where youput the newspaper? ..4y4.Ag*.p.f.!.................
Never tell her she's wrong. ..9?.YY?oj.....
I'm not hardly awake yet. ...........
Do be quiet, children! .............
Why you are asking me? ...........
You wait here for a minute.
Where you've been all day?
Why do not these lights work? ........
What beautiful eyes she's got! ...........
Answer somebody the phone, please.
I dont hope it'll rain. ..........
Dontyou believe him. ..........
'Dont you want some coffee?' 'No, I dol
I dont smoke nor drink.
rl'.: Which speaker wants to leave?
Speaker 1: Would it be better for me to leave now? ...
Speaker 2: Wouldnt it be better for me to leave now? ...
1r'
1'
(hoose the correct forms of the cartoon captions.
,'r^ '. I +ir.',
tlL
*al'tt
ffiat
v)A_
ilffi-1
-*t-rV -U_ -C
PnLel\ti'
'You have I Have you ago in ours,
and we'll have a go in yours, okay?'
"14
BASIC SENTENCE TYPES
'Whst I FIow romantic! Breakfast in bed!'
Can you complete these typical children's questions, using words from the boxes?
And can you answer any of them? (Parents usually can't.)
blue built different each other /
there they make what
flying
fish
Grand
Canyon how round
stars are
> animals ever help
.
.P9. .q.ryiugl:.
9Vlr.\ph
.9WI.91n9y.?..
.
ffi
1 n'hy every animal
2 really fly .............
3 why the Earth
4 nhy the sky
5 howdeep..........
6 lightyear ...........
7 how bulletproof glass ............
B why the Eiffel Tower ........
t how many .........
10
ffi
#
I
birds fly
&
?2.
xt
ea
&come
from
when you
11
frogs
die
eat God
make you
who invented
cry tails
time
what
why water
why cutting onions
t2 where babies
13
where go
l4
15
16
[ootball
makes thunder
l7
18
l9
20
Use a search engine to
find out which expression is more common
in each of the following pairs.
1
2
3
4
A "seems not to be"
A "seems not to have"
A "Is it not beautiful?"
A "I hope noti'
B "does not seem to be'
B "does not seem to have"
B "Isnt it beautiful?"
B "I dont hope so."
BASIC SENTENCE
WPES
15
These three verbs live a double life. They can be auxiliary verbs used to form questions, negatives, emphatic
forms, perfect and progressive tenses and passives. They can also be ordinaryfullverbs. For this reason, each
of them can appear twice in a single phrase.
I am being served. Have you had an invitation? What do you do?
Some of the basic uses can benefit from revision even at this level, and are covered in the following pages,
along with other more advanced points.
be: progressive forms; do be
progressives We use am being, are being
t
t
etc
for actions and behaviour, but not feelings. Compare:
You're being stupid. (= 'You're doing stupid things])
I was being careful. (='I was doing something carefullf i)
I'm depressed just now. (Nor @)
... )
She was very cheerful yesterday. (xor Sffirg
Put in the best form of be.
I
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
The baby
..........
r'ery good today.
I ...........
bit lonel,v these days.
... dilhcuit about money again
a
- iti a real problem.
... absolutely impossible this morning.
children
..... so tired this week.
I don t know why I ...............
... very careless with those glasses.
You
..... silly.
I didn't really mean what I said. I ...............
... excited about her birthdav - it's sweet.
She
John
Reallyl The
Note: do(n't) be Do canbe used with
be
in negative and emphatic imperatives (see page 10).
Don't be sad. Do be careful.
Frrr progressive be in passi\.e structures (e.g.
,lil
being servcd), see pages 78 and 297.
'To be is to dol
'To do is to be.'
'Dobedobededo.'
(Socrates)
[ean-Paul Sartre)
(Frank Sinatra)
'The dog's being impossible again.'
,.6
BE, HAVE AND DO
il
there is: revise the basics
THE MOST COMMON STRUCTURES WITH TIiERE + BE
is/are
there
there
there is/are going to
was/were
be
there will/won't be
there has/haye
there had been
been
Questions: is there, are there etc
Contraction; there\ (often pronounced l6ezl ,like the beginnin g of the zoo)
.,,
Check your knowledge. Put in the correct form of there is (not).
frlfp.yVl!.*.q1.9p............. (on !.e.fp.y.q*'.1.p.e.................)ameetingtomorrow.
> How many prime Ministers \gy.C.\\gf.q.9.q?*.............. since 1950?
*
1 ..............
...... no EuropeansinAustraliain 1700.
2 .............
....... anymessages forme while Iwas out?
3 This has been a relatively mild winter.
... no snow at all.
4 I'm hungry.
... any'thing to eat in the house?
5 I got back home to hnd that ...........
a burglary.
6 I don't think .........
any reason to get upset.
7 Sorry
...... any more decaf.
8 Dr McPherson is ill, so .........
a lecture tomorrow.
9 .............
....... going
... an enormous row when
your father gets home.
l0
-
Why
..........
so many strikes this year?
Complete the sentences with your own ideas.
1
2
3
4
5
2000 years ago there weren't any
............
there have always been ..........
There have never been
..........
Next year there
In
100 years, perhaps there
there is xnd. it is There is introduces something new. If is usually refers to something that we
have already talked about, or that people already know about.
'There's a taxi outside.' 'lt's for me.'
,
(Not'Itffie:)
Put in there'sor it's.
I
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
..............
.............
a new student
'Whats that smell?'
'.............
:................
.
.............
10 ............
Pete's aftershave.'
:.............
justthewindi
:........................... minel
Would you like some of this
I ve got a new car.
class.
afunnynoiseoutsidel
'Whose is that coat?
............
in the
ice on the lake.
a
coffee?
still hot.
bus stop just round the corner.
............
pretty fast.
problem with the cooker.
a message for you at the reception desk.
a
BE, HAVEAND
DO
17
there is: more complex structures
with seem/appear
with modal verbs
with
There seems to be a hold-up.
There may be a job for you.
There can't be two people with that name.
certain/sure/likely
with anylno
need/sense/Ttoint/use
with something/anything/etc + wrong
in question tags
There's certqin to be an inquiry'
Are there likely to be more strikes?
Is there any point in talking to him?
Therei no need to shout.
Is there something wrong?
There won't be q test, will there?
infinitive
We
-ingform
Idlike there to be more time to think.
Whati the chance of there being an agreement?
with auxiliary
be
want there to be a referendum.
There were some people singing in the street.
(= 'Some people were singing ...')
+1$ Complete the sentences as shown.
, !.qfg.y.qUlp.... ......
> Idontwant !.h.{f9.!.?.p.e..............
a change
of government. (may)
.. anytrouble.(inJinitive)
'I
a restaurant open somewhere. (must)
)
a
Thank you, it's
J
problem with the electricity. (seem)
OK.
(wrong)
in making
4
I've given up hope of
5
a fuss
now
..............
-
it's too late. (point)
an improvement in the
situation. (-ingform)
Do you think .........
.... any more customers tonight, or
can
we close the shop? (likely)
7
8
::::':ll:::.:l
;;";il;";;;.#i::i,'amera
ahead (c'uld)
(will; question tag)
9
Id
like
10
;;; ;;";;; ,;;;;;,;; i;;;,ri,y u,t
plenty of time for discussion. (infnitive)
too manv people tarking at vesterdav's meeting' and
'4::+
(Some expressions are needed more than once.)
A there being (twice) B there has never been (twice) C there may have been
D there mightbe (twice) E there will be (once) F will there be (once)
... a time when you could teil what
part of the island someone came from
by the way they talked, but you'd be
hard-pressed to do it now.
... a time when people got married
at 13 and had a child by age 16, but
that was when the average life span
was something like 35.
(three times)
... a worse time to spend money on a
holiday abroad.The pound has gone
through the floor, and you may not
have a job when you come back.
5
In the words of the Bhagavad Gita:
... a time when you and I have not
existed, nor ... a time when we will
cease to exist.
What are some of the
signs
that... problems in
your electrical system?
Some older houses
18
BE, HAVEAND DO
What is the current thinking about
.. . more than one Universe?
I've been reading about how black holes
Why do scientists believe
that ... water on the
moonlThe latest research
seems
to show
You are also right about ... more
than two sides to the story: his
side, her side, and the truth.
One day... more people
from lndia or from China
on the lnternet than the
rest of the world.
10
Some experts believe ...
as many as four ice ages.
Geological evidence from
have: revise the basics
progressive When have is used to talk about action s (e.g. have dinner) and experiences
(e.g. have problems), progressive forms are often possible.
'Where's Sue?' 'She's having a
shower.'
I'm having dfficulty understanding this.
With auxiliary
uses and most other meanings of have (e.g. possession, relationships, suffering
from illnesses), progressive forms are not possible.
Have you seen Steye? (Nol @)
Have you got my scissors? (Not' @)
Maurice has flu. (Nor
i:+
Correct
I
2
3
4
(/)
?vffinvingfltx
)
or not (X)?
phoned while we were having lunch. ...
My sister's having a bad cold. ...
I'm having trouble with my computer. ...
Are you having any money on you? ...
5
6
7
She
Are you having a table for two? ...
I'm having a bad headache. ...
We're having a party tonight. ...
gof-forms and do-forms In modern British English, shorter present-tense forms of have
(e.g. I have, have you, she has) are often avoided, especially in informal speech. Instead, we use
longer forms made with do or got.
I've got tickets for tomorrow. (More natural in BrE than I have tickets for tomorrow.)
Do you have a headache? oxHave you got a headache? (More natural than Have you a headache?)
Gof adds nothing to the meaning:
I have gof
is present, and simply means 'I havel
gof-forms not used Gof-forms are not common in the past, and got is not normally used in
infinitives or -ing forms, in short answers or question tags.
I
had. a bad cold last week. (Not
'Have you got any
money?'
L@otaffid
..)
(Norl@Mtjot:)
.
'No, I haven't.'
Gof-forms are not used with atxiliary have, or in expressionsllke have dinner, have a shower.
And gof-forms are not used to talk about repeated or habitual actions.
I don't oftenhave colds. (Nor
f@#)
Could the verbs be changed to gof-forms?
== >
>
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
..Y9:.......
Lett have a party. .. N.?........
Have you a moment? .............. .
Id like to have more time.
I'll have the answer tomorrow.
Do you have
a
cold?
I like having friends round.
We often had money problems.
I dont have your address.
She never has doubts.
Do you have a car?
British and American usage In AmE, shorter affirmative present-tense forms
are common
in
speech.
for tomorrow. I have a headache.
In very informal AmE, I've gof often becomes I got, and got- and do-forms may be mixed.
We have tickets
'I('ve) got 0 new apartment.' 'You do?'
l-or structures like ftare something done, see page l2D. For hare to,
see
page 63.
BE, HAVE AND
DO
"19
do: emphasis
emotive emphasis We can use do with affirmative verbs to to show that we feel strongly about
what we are saying.
That cake does look
good!
I ilid enjoy the
concert.
sentences with words and expressions from the box; make them
more emphatic by using do/does/did.
S Complete the
cold depressed for not phoning is the right way long hours nonsense /
the way she looks at you the weekend in scotland to talk to somebody
you're mistaken your new shoes
>
I
2
3
6
7
8
9
10
fulie tarr<s
J
*l-i.9.4.qp:.ygl9.*q*1?.ry.:9.'.
....
I think
I hate
This room feels
Mary needed
..............
...............
I apologise
We enjoyed
looked
I wonder ifthis .........
She
contrastive emphasis. Do canshow
a
contrast - between false and true, appearance and reality,
or a general statement and an exception.
You think
It
I don't
looks simple,
We
care, but I do care.
but it does take a long time to prepare.
didn't have much time to spare, but I did visit the cathedral.
We can also use do to compare expectations with reality'
I said I would get to the top, and I did get to the
top.
the beginnings and ends and write the sentences, adding the idea of contrast
by using do/does/did.
-i:$ .foin
ENDS
BEGINNINGS
b I've forgotten her address,
I 'You dont understand mel
2 I may not be good at sPort,
3 I'll come round this evening,
4 I'm not sure he speaks English,
5 It's a nice car to drive.
6 I do all the housework,
7 Although he didnt send me a card,
8 She doesnt like most music.
9 I told him to see the dentist,
l0 She's not on this train.
2.............
20
BE, HAVEAND DO
Mind you, it
uses a
She said 10.15,
>
lot of petrol.
didnt
she
?
'I understand you.'
but I remember she lives near the park.
but I have to get back home early.
She goes to
jazz concerts sometimes.
and he had a tooth that needed filling.
but Peter helps with the cooking.
he phoned.
but he speaks some French.
but I enjoy football.
J
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
@
eut together words and expressions from the box to make sentences like the one
in the example, using do/does/did.
Shakespeare./ make films / write plays / sell beer ltalians lend money fight against England
ln England fight against China eat potatoes banks eat mice speak ltalian speak Japanese
cats rains a lot snows a lot Napoleon
..9t1?.reqs.
Pgqr.e.4i4*.1!..ry.s.Pp.{t1we.,..4*!.4s.4.i 4 .wr.r1r,.tl?.Ae...
1
2
J
4
5
€-, .-
These are extracts from three real letters. Complete them with the
., '
.; ,
expressions from the box. Use a dictionary if necessary.
We do
Dear
appreciate
We do in fact take good
care
We do hope
...
has benefited from the tax rebate
For the past seven years the Society
unfortunately the covenant has
on yourcovenanted subscription' but
now expired.
1
..............
""
" you will renew it'
Dear...
Thank you for your letter of 14th November. I am extremely sorry that you have
been troubled and I entirely agree that writing to you was discourteous and a
bad use of our funds.
2
...............
..... to ensure that this does not happen and I am
making enquiries as to why we slipped up in your case.
Dear ...
I
am
writing to thank you for your
gift ofrzoo.oo by bankert standing
order
underyour covenant, received
on 5th October 2oro.
3""""""""
For more about emphasis, see pages 260-26
..'. aliyoursupport-itisvitaltoourexpandingwork.
l. For do
as a
substitute verb (e.g . 'Give him my love) 'l
wilt
do') and do so, see page s 27 6-277
BE, HAVEAND
DO
21
present tenses
used especially to talk
English has two 'present' tenses. The simple present (I play,I work etc) is
(also called'present
abJut regular or permanent activities and situations. The present progressive
the moment of speaking'
continuJus') is uied especially to talk about things that are going on around
For details, see Pages 23-29.
(present or past) and'aspect'
Note that in academic grammars, a distinction is made between'tense'
an event is seen
(for example progressive). Tense shows time; progressive aspect typically shows whether
is common to
it
this'
as
such
grammars
as ongoing oicoirpleted at a particular time. In more practical
use the term 'tense' in both cases.
talking about the future
(see pages 30-37)' Three common structures
There are several ways to talk about the future in English
The differences between these are complicated
are the will-future, be goingfo and the present progressive.
guidelines, but it is
(and not generally very imp'ortant). The explanations on pages 30-33 give some
can use two or three
we
often
not possible to give simple precise rules foi the use of these structures different forms to express the same idea'
r*charg*t up tr: 3 eie',,ices slmLilt*n*ou
Youtll
love
these
Puts the fun back into driving
shoes
ffi
22
PRESENT
AND
FUTURT
li n:*ke: xen:* l* ';* icr
ih* lritssi "fV te*hnllcgt;
I
present tenses: revise the basics
SIMPLE PRESENT
PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
work
+
I/you/we/they
?
do I/you/we/they
work?
I/you/we/they do not
o
r
I am, you are
he/she/it worlcs
does he/she/it work?
work
he/she/it does not work
things that are always true
things that happen all the time,
repeatedly, often, sometimes, neyer
You live in Brighton, don't
etc.
etc
working
am I, are you etc working?
I am not, you are not etc working
.
r
o
you?
things that are happening now
things that are happening around now
things that are changing
My parents are living with me just now.
Look - Peter's drinking your cofee.
Why k that child running away?
Harry\ not working at the moment.
I'm trying to eat more vegetables.
She's not playing much tennis these days,
Interest rates are rising again.
No thanks. I don't drink cofee.
The Danube runs into the Black Sea
oliver works for a bank.
eat?
Wednesday.
east.
'-,..,-,r,,,t,',.,.rt,:. Match the beginnings and ends.
G
> What do you write? .Q.
A Actually, that's the radio.
> What are you writing? f .
B French - she's from Switzerland.
1 What do you do? ...
C Computer manuals.
2 What are you doing? ...
D I need to get this car started.
3 Where do you work? ...
E I'm an architect.
4 Where are you working? ...
F A letter to my mother.
5 Does your son play the violin? ...
G I'm in Cardiffthis week.
6 Is your son playing the violin? ...
H In a big insurance company.
7 What language does she speak? ...
I It sounds like Russian.
8 What language is she speaking? ...
I Me - can I have some more?
9 Who drinks champagne? ...
K Me, when I can afford it.
10 Whot drinking champagne? ...
L No, the piano.
What do girffis
I play tennis every
The sun rises in the
non-progressive verbs Remember: some verbs are mostly used in simple tenses even if we mean
'just now' (see pages 28-29).
I like yourdress. (Nor
e
l@tesr.)
,,,..-".:ifi-,...,,,1-.-.,- i,--.,,
I
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
l0
What do they mean? (Nor
W@?)
. Circle the correct verb forms.
I think / am thinking we're going to be late.
Look - it snows / it\ snowing.
Do you look / Are you looking for the bus station?
I don't understand / am not understandingthis application form at all.
Do you know / Are you knowingwhether they take dollars here?
What do you want I are you wanting?
I hate / am hatingthis programme.
Why do you drive / are you driving on the wrong side of the road?
Who do you look / are you looking at?
I don't remember / am not rememberingwhy I came into the kitchen.
PRESENTAND FUTURE 23
]l
t"structions, commentaries, stories
Present tenses are common in instructions, commentaries and stories. The simple present is used for
things that happen one after another, and the present progressive for longer background situations.
(This is exactly like the way the simple past and past progressive are used together - see page 41.)
'How do I get to the police station?' 'You go straight on for half a mile, then you come to a garage.
You take the next left, then as you're coming up to a railway bridge, look out for a sign on the right.'
I put some butter in a frying pan. While the butter is melting, I break three eggs into a bowl and beat them ...
Chekhov shoots, Burns punches it away, and it's a corner. Meanwhile Fernandez is warming up, ready
to replace ...
So he's just havingbreakfast when the doorbell rings. He opens the door and sees this beautiful woman
outside. She's wearing ...
Note the use of the present progressive for slower-moving commentaries,
The Oxford boat is moving further and further ahead. And what's happening now? Cambridge are getting
very low in the water. Are they sinking? ...
,i1
:,r Put in simple present or present progressive verbs.
1
While the
meat
...,
... them in cold
2 Giacomo
... . Miller
with his hand. But the
3
So
he
referee
...
... the ball
there's his girlfriend.
@ark ,a,k g.up,say)
to drive a car. Begin'First I ...'
:: Write instructions to tell somebody how to get from one place to another (for example,
from the nearest station to your home). Begin 'You ...'
li
24
Write the beginning of a short present-tense story.
PRESENT
AND
FUTURE
away
(shoot, knock, not look)
;;,:T:Ti::::::::-:::i::::'::,li
ti:.jj, Explain how you boil an egg or start
I
the potatoes and
deliberately
... into the bar. And
lil
.:
I ...........
water. (roast, peel, put)
more about present tenses
repeated actions Repeated actions just around the moment of speaking: present progressive.
Other repeated actions: simple present.
Why k he hitting the dog? lake's seeing a lot of Felicity these days.
I go to the mountains about twice a
Water boils at 100" Celsius.
year.
Write about two or three things that you're doing a lot just around now; and some other
things that you do from time to time.
changes We use the present progressive for changing and developing situations, even if these are
not just around the moment of speaking.
The political situation is getting worse. Children are growing up faster.
Scientists say the universe is expanding, and has been since the beginning of time.
Write some sentences about some things that are changing (for example, some of the
things in the box).
cities computers education
TV
the economic situation transport travel
programmes your English
not around the moment of speaking The simple present and present progressive can be used together
even when we are talking about things going on around other moments, not the moment of speaking.
This is common with when (meaning'whenever').
\bu look lovely when you're smiling.
\Vhen the post comes I'm usually having breakfast.
Put in the correct forms.
I Ihateitifpeople
...mewhenI...............
(interrupt, work)
2 1...........
3
4
country. @et, walk)
When Alice ..........
grunting noises. (think, make)
Our house .........
from the east. @et, blow)
someofmybestideaswhilel
about something,
... inthe
she
reallv cold when the wind
... funny
..........
t
PRESEI\T AND FUTURE 25
more about present tenses (continued)
progressive with always We can use a progressive form with always and similar words to talk about
repeated but unpredictable or unplanned events.
turning up with little presents for the children.
I'm always running into loanna in the supermarket.
She's always
The structure is often used to make complaints and criticisms.
This computer's continually crashing at the most inconvenient moments.
She's forever taking days of because of one little illness or another.
This government is always thinking of new ways to take your money.
ffi
Writ" a sentence about somebody you know who is always doing something annoying.
NOTES
I
hear/see;
it
says We often use
I
hear or
I
see
in the sense of 'I have heard/seen to introduce pieces of information.
I hear Karen's getting married. I see they're closing High Street again.
Note also the similar use of It says.
It says in the paper thereb a rail strike tomorrow.
Where does it say that
I
need a visa?
here comes; there goes We use the simple present in these two expressions.
Here comes the postman. This wind! There goes my hat!
performatives Sometimes we do something by saying something.
Verbs used like this are called performatives: they are normally simple present.
I won't do it again - I promise. I hereby declare you man and wife.
I swear to teII the truth. I name this ship 'Spirit of Adventure'.
informal progressives Progressives can sometimes make statements sound more friendly and
informal (see page 291). Compare:
We lookforward to further discussions in due course.
I'm really lookingforward to our week with you and the kids in
JuIy.
duration Remember that we use a present perfect, not a present tense, to say how long things have
continued up to the present.
I've been waiting since six oilock. (Not Im-tvaia'rysince ...)
,
{l
\
*\
)
)
t^r)
I
YV'" , )r
()'
ffif-q:tt
6'
-
-'F-):rl
#''
1zr3yFNS
'He's swearing in full sentences now.'
26
PRISENTAND FUTURE
Choose the best verb forms.
Prison death rates o rise I
A
A
GOV|.RN\4F,Nl' COMNIITTEE' cnlls /
U callingfor an investigation into the
number of people who 2 now die / are now
dying fuom natural causes inside the prison
system. It r appears / is appearing that because
of poor heaithcare and a sedentary lifestyle,
more and more prisoners a die / are dyittg
prematurely. The increase is not due to a rise
in the prison population or an increase in the
age of inmates.
A recent report s finds / is finding that the
average age of male prisoners who 6 die / are
dying from natural causes is 56; the average
for women is 47. In the general British
population, the average age of death
larmingly
nstn
for men is 78 and for women 81. Death rates
are thought to be higher in prison because
prisoners i toke / are takingless exercise
and 8 eat / are eating less well than most of
the population. They " also suffer / are also
suffering higher levels of stress, and some
1o receive
/ are receiving substandard healthcare.
Although the government tl currently invests
is curcently investing substantial funds
/
in order
to improve prisoner welfare, the focus is on
reducing levels of suicide and self-harm, and
the expenditure 12 has / is havinglittle or no
effect on the more general problem of rising
death rates.
r
(eirctdttre correct verb forms for the cartoon captions.
Vr..-X/
*a{'. ?"i-(
..{\\.+
EEKiJ
fV
\\
\i.b
/
(
\
#
Tu-t*
I A
rl
.t
nJ
w.w
(*-
/4\r/
*'%?',
}J
'Things look I are lookingbad.'
'l sell I I'm selling this for a friend.'
PRESENT
AND FUTURE 27
1l
ll
ll
non-progressive verbs
i
Some verbs are rarely or never used in progressive forms, even if we are talking about what is
happening at
a
particular moment.
I don't like her hairstyle. (Not @)
I calledbecause I need to /alk. (xor ...
@)
Many of these verbs refer to states rather than actions. Here is
a
list of the most common ones.
mental and emotional states; use of the senses
assume, believe, doubt, feel (= 'have an opinion ), hate, hear, imagine (= 'suppose'), know, (dis)Iike, love,
prefer, realise, recognise, regret, remember, see, smell, suppose, taste, think (= 'have an opinion ),
understand, want,
w ish.
tNor
time. Who do you think will win?
'I love you."I don't believe you.'
I doubt if the train will
I
feel iti
time
be on
)
for a break.
communicating, causing reactions
(dis)agree, appear astonish, deny, impress, mean, please, promise, satisfy, seem, surprise'
What do you
mean?
We seem to haye a
problem.
Your attitude sutltrises me.
other state verbs
hat'e (='possess'), include, involve, Iack, matter
measure (= 'have length etc'), need, owe, own, possess, resemble, weigh (='have weight')'
be, belong, concern, consist, cost, depend, deserve,
Who does this car belong
to?
I
need
help.
ft,
'I'm late'' 'It doesn't matter.'
Choose the best verbs from the boxes to complete the sentences.
consist contain depend imagine include lack not deserve own
1 'Can you do me a favour?' 'It ..............
of50o/o sugar, 10% fruit, and a lot ofother
2 Thisjam ...........
. nuts, I can't eat it.
3 Ifthat cake ..........
4 I'm too good to you. You ......................... '.. me.
5 The soup's nice, but it ............................ salt.
thatdog.
6 Iwonderwho...........
157o service.
7 No need to tip - the bill
youd like a rest soon.
8 L..........
stuff.
appear concern deny impress matter mean owe recognlse
9
'Dont
we know that man?' 'Maybe. I
dont
........
... him.
10
11 We'regoingtobelate,butldontthinkit'.......'.. rnuch.
... you tomorrow if that's OK.
12 I'll pay you what I ........
13'Howmuchmoneyisthecompanymaking?''Thatdoesnt ...........you.'
.. to be a problem with the train.
14 There .........
everlthing.
15 The police are questioning three men about the attack, but they
Do you know what 'incomprehensible' ............................
?
16'I'vegotmyownhelicopter.''Youdont ...........mei
28
PRESENT
AND
FUTURE
progressiye and non-progressive uses Some of these verbs may occasionally be used in progressive
forms, especially to emphasise the idea of change, development or novelty.
As I get older, I'm remembering less and
less.
I didn't
expect to like this place, but I'm really loving it.
Some others are used in progressive forms with particular meanings. Compare:
What do you think of her singing? Whot are you thinking about?
too much these days. I got a shock when I was weighing myself this morning.
I weigh
Iook (meaning'seem') can often be progressir.e or not, with little difference.
YLtu
look
/
YouTe looking a bit tired today.
Smell and taste can be progressive when we are talking about the deliberate use of the senses to find
something out. Compare:
*
This meat
smells.funny. I (can) smell
'What are you doing?' 'I'm smelling
*
the
smoke
fsh to see
if
it's OK.'
wonderJil. I think I (can) taste garlic in it.
'Leave that cake alone!' 'I'm just tasting it to see if it\ OK.'
The soup tastes
Feel (referrine to physical sensations) can be progressive or not, with little difference.
feel / I'm feeling Jine.
I
See can be progressive
I
[€
(can) see lohn over
when it means'meetl Compare
there.
I'm seeing the doctor tomorrow.
Correct (,/) or not (X)?
i Of course i'm believing youl ...
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
l0
11
12
13
14
rr4le're seeing
your point. ...
Why is everybody looking at the sky? ...
I'm feeiing you're both wrong. ...
What do you think about at this moment? ...
She may rvin, but i doubt it. ...
Does this rnilk taste sour to you? ...
I'm feeling quite depressed these days. ...
I'm remernbering your thce, but not your name.
\Ve see the bank manager soon. . . .
I'm supposing youcl like coIl'ee. ...
I think it's time to go. ...
John's aftershave is smellir-rg strange. . ..
Howmuch areyouweighing? ...
$:ll
il
ll
il
l'jr I
'Do these shoes taste tunny to you?'
NOTES
use of can Cru n is often used with see, hear, feel, taste, smell, understand and remember to give a
progressive meaning, especially in British English. (See page 61.)
I can see Sue coming down the road. Can you smell burning?
I can remember when there were no houses here.
perfect tenses Want, need and mean can have present perfect progressive tses| need and want can
have future progressive uses.
I've been wanting to meet you for years. WilI you be needing the car today?
There\ something I'te been meaning to tell you.
-izg forms Even verbs which are never progressive have -lng forms which can be used in other kinds of structure.
Knowing her tastes, I bought her chocolate.
I got all the way to the station without realising
I
was wearing my slippers.
PRESENT
AND FUTURE 29
future: revise the basics:
will, going to or present progressive?
future in the present We generally use present forms (present progressive or am/are/is going to)
when we can see the future in the present: we already see things coming or starting.
We prefer will (themost common form) when we are simply giving information about the future,
with no special reason for using present forms. Compare:
o
I'm seeing Ianet on Tuesday. (the arrangement exists now.)
I wonder if she'll recognise me. (not talking about the present)
t
going to get a new car. (The decision already exists.)
I hope it will be better than the old one. (not talking about the present)
We're
Be goi ng to and the present progressive can both be used to talk about plans.
We use the present progressive mostly when the time and/or place are fixed. Compare:
plans
Emma's goingto study
ffi
biology.
soon.
loe's spending next week in France.
Phil's starting work on Monday'
I'm going to take a holiday some time
Rewrite the sentences, putting in expressions from the box and using the
present progressive. (Different answers are possible.)
concert from March 1st next month next week
on Saturday on Tuesday this evening tomorrow morning
for tomorrow's
next
year
I'm soins to plav tennis with Andv.
t'^*"ota"rL,rrh
tewwLs wLth *wAu
ow satt ydau.
I
<J...................
1. 4.4J,,..w...;.......................
.. : ;..
4
We're going to see Sarah.
2
l'm going to start fencing lessons.
3
We're going to meet the accountants.
4
I'm going to get the car serviced.
5
They're going to close the road for repairs.
6
Everybody's going to get a free ticket.
7
The air traffic controllers are going to strike.
8
All the train companies
are going to put their prices up.
be goingto and the present progressive for decisions and plans (see above)
that exist in the present - they have already been made. We prefer will to announce decisions
as we make them. Compare:
decisions We prefer
'We've got a lot of bilk to payl 'I know. I'm going to do them
'The plumber's billhas just come in.' 'OK, I'll pay it.'
30
PRESENTAND FUTURE
all on Monday.'
F,€ Put in l'll or I'm going to.
>
1
I ve
decided. ..1'.W.Ap.L.ryp.!.q................ take
a
week off
... phone and ask her.'
minute.
.........payl
2'l'veleftmymoneyathome.' Again?OK............
get some work done.'
3 'Do you want to go for a walk?' 'No, ...........
4'I'vegotaheadachel 1............
.......getyouanaspirin.'
5 .............
....... sellthiscar-itsgivingmenothingbuttrouble.
... have a shower.
6 Can you answer the phone if it rings?
7 .............
....... change my job soon.
'Is Alice coming round?' 'Wait a
8'Theret
the doorbelll
:....................................
gol
predictions: what we expect We prefer go ing to when we can already see the future in the present:
we can see things coming or starting, or they are already planned. We prefer will to say what we
think or believe about the future. Compare:
Careful! The meat's going to burn. (I can see it now.)
Don't ask Pete to cook the steok - he'll burn i r. (I'm sure, because I know him.)
We dont use the present progressive to predict events which are outside our control.
Its
f,E
goingto rain soon.
6ir?ibt
BUlNorIt@
tre best form.
willhavea baby.
' cluit"@/
I Perhaps I'm going to / I'll see you at the weekend.
2 Look at the sky: its going to / it will snow.
3 Look o:ut - we're going to / we'llhit that carl
4 Ask John - he's probably going to / he'll probably know the answer.
5 Youd better put a coat on, or you're going to / you'Il get cold.
6 If you press this key, the computer is going to / will shut down.
7 You can see from Barbara's face that there\ going to / there'll be trouble.
8 It's no use telling Andy about your problem s; he\ going to / he'II tell everybody
eise.
simple present We sometimes use the simple present to talk about the future; for instance when
we talk about timetables, routines and schedules.
The meeting
starts at ten
oilock.
What time does the train arrive in Paris?
My plane leaves from Heathrow.
We can also use the simple present to give and ask for instructions.
'Where do I get an application
In other
cases we
form?'
'You go to the
main ofice on the second Jloor.'
don't use the simple present in simple sentences to talk about the future.
Emma's coming round later. (Nor Emrncones . ..
There's the phone. I'll answer lf. (Nor' ... I'dnswer:)
)
lll
write - I promise.
For the simple present with a future meaning after if, when etc, see pages 204 and232.
ffi
Choose the best tense.
> The film@/ will end at midnight.
>
I
2
3
4
| phone
t@vou
5
I start / will start dieting after Christmas.
Rob comes / is coming round after 7.00.
Do you / Will you post my letters?
I have / will have a French
The train isnt direct
-
you change
/ will
change
at Manchester.
soon.
6
7
8
My f,nal exam is / will &e in May.
What time does / willthe concert start?
I play / am playinghockey tomorrow.
class at 9.00
tomorrow.
PRESENTAND FUTURE 31
lr
i
;1
more about the present progressive, going to and will
spoken and written English Be going to and the present progressive are particularly common
iir spoken English, ut *uyr of taiking about the future. This is because conversation is often about
future events ihut lv" can see coming, so present forms are natural. In written English, these forms are
less
less often used. Will is extremely common in writing, because written language tends to deal with
giving
when
preferred
also
Willis
present.
immediate future events, when we do not see the future in the
Compare:
itineraries'
official
information about impersonal, fixed arrangements - for example
We're meeting Sandra at 6.00.
The President will arrive at the airport at 14.00. He
will meet ' "
pronunciatio n of going to. In informal speech, golng fo is often pronounced
This is often shown in writing as gonna.
as
/gana/'
I
Put the letters of the boxed expressions into the text.
4ffi
A it will be B there will be C will be introduced D will be presented
E will be welcomed F will cast off G will cover H will play I you will be
O
ff,:
il,fl ::;'T'*
*1*'i;
J*n
vessel (the vessels we work with
generally accommodate between
20 and 1 28 passengers), just enough
to be able to meet new PeoPle and
get to know them over the course of
the trip, and to be able to recognise
and greet all ofthe other passengers
onboard. Not so many that every
see a face'... be a new one!
On a wildlife cruise the vessels
have been specially adaPted and
timeyou
refitted
to
accommodate guests,
since many of them were actuallY
research vessels in a former life. On
wildlife cruise, 3... illustrated talks
a
and presentations throughout the
journey. These a... a whole range of
topics from birds and mammals, to
geography, history and astronomy,
and they s... by the onboard guides
and experts who 6... such
It is fascinating seeing how the ship's
course is plotted, and to observe the
monitors of depth, wind sPeed and
wave height! (Adapted from oceans
Worldwide website.)
an
important role in making your trip
a
special one.
To begin with you 7... aboard
with a glass of chamPagne and a
bite to eat. The crew 8... the boat,
and once you are under waY You
e... to the captain and his crew.
Departures
are
generallY
late
afternoon/early evening. Passengers
are free to visit the ship's bridge any
time of the day or night.
Put the letters of the boxed expressions into the text.
ffi
A going to be happy B going to be there C going to see D
E there are going to be F we're catching G we're leaving
I
lt's going to be
#5li,;"l[?Til;i- $l;,;"i,lX1llx l';:fli'il:Hlffi:;f?,:::::?f,li'J3'i,Jii&,'*
in the evenings, and going ashore with us and answering our stupid questions when we land.
s... ! And there's a terrific woman
Tony Soper's a..., believe it or not, so the bird-watchers are
remember
the others, but I know
called Ingrid Visser who's red-hot on killer whales. I can't
6... whales
we're
definitely
there's a marine mammal expert, and an astronomer. And
-
lots and lots of whales, they've promised! Can't wait!
Well, must go and pack -7... a very early flight. Looking forward to seeing you in July.
Prepare yourselves for a long photo eveningl
Love from both to both
Jane
32
PRESENT
AND
FUTURE
t
and. will In modern English l/we will and l/we shall can generally be used with no difference
of meaning. I44ll is more common, and shall is dying out. (In any case, the commonest forms in
speech are the contractions I'll and we'll.)
shall
shall n questions In older English, shall was used to talk about obligation (rather like should).
This meaning still survives in first-person questions, where shall is used to ask for instructions or
suggestions, or offer services.
What time shall we come
round?
Shall
I
take
your coat?
Compare the use of will to ask for information:
What time will we get into London?
legal language Legal documents, such as contracts, often use shallto express obligation.
The hirer
@
shall be responsible for maintenance of the vehicle. (from a car-hire contract)
eut in shotl or will.
I Where
we go on
holiday this year?
2 Where
I be this time
next year?
3
Sending out the invitations
4
The
.....
.. be
wholly
responsible for ali decoration and repairs.
5 .............
6 What time ..........
:if"'11: rrrangcrnclr..
Tlie I lircnlrall
:l:,10.*'rf or
,,rirKU g()r')Ljt
p.rv for rrll d,lrn3qc (irrcludirig
dnrnrgc) ro tlls
Pr.m1,.s or ro rlrc
:::]U:",iIhftings
n\turc\,
or L.()nlcnts arrd
I cook for
I{irt.r sh:rJl n,r uce rhc
;::::,:,,:111.
|1c,111j5s.
rur :{n)
lurp{)\c o1hr.,. then that J..cril.ccl in
tlrc Hiring .\grccmcnt
rnd ,hrll ,_,
7 What
supper?
How soon
;rntl tht, hch,irioui,,f
,rlJ
J.)^"]:"lt usirrg thc prcmi'sq rvhart'vcr
rhcir
in, luding propcr irrpqrl.isi.p
61
I put the kettle on?
. I need to be
at the airport?
8
Ilircr
shall, during rhc
|srl1,l 6f th.
nrrrrrg, f,c rcsponsibic
firr: superr.r,it_rn ot.thc
premise-s, the &bric
ancl the
tir.r.'
r;lre. sali n frt,rn darn"rge
"r","rrir,
hr)u.c'cr
crtange of ,ln\ rort;
.li;;; ;;
be f im's responsibility.
tenant.........
'llrc
..........
. we hear
tbr 1,,*.
1,1.
premises to be usecl fbr
^i1",,','n"
an unlawiul purpose
rr in,rnv,
about the application?
;;,rtJ;;r:,a'1'
For other (non-future) uses of wll/, see pages 65 and 72.
NOTES
difierent forms possible The differences between the three main structures used to talk about
the future are not aiways very cie ar-cut. WilI and present forms (especially going to) are often both
possible in the same situation, when'present'ideas like intention or fixed arrangement are a part
of the meaning but not very important. The choice of structure will depend on which part of the
meaning we want to emphasise. In the following exampies all of the different forms would be correct,
with no important difference of meaning.
t
What will you do next year?
What are you doing next year?
t
All the family will be there.
All the family are going to be there.
If your mother comes, you'll hatte to help with the cooking.
If your mother comes, you're going to have to help with the cooking.
What are you going to do next year?
t
o
You won't believe this.
You're not going to believe this.
PRESENT
AND FUTURE 33
be + infinitive: I om to
official plans etc We often
say
... etc
that something is to happen when we talk about official plans
and fixed arrangements.
Minister is to visit British soldiers in Antarctica.
is to merge with Universal Export.
The Prime
Our
frm
pre-conditions The structure is common in fclauses, where the main clause expresses
pre-condition - something that must happen first if something else is to happen.
a
Wed better hurry if we're to get there by lunchtime.
You'll need to start working if you're to pass your exom'
orders The structure can
also be used (for example byparents) to give orders.
You're to do your homework before you go to bed.
Tell lenny she's not to be back late.
ffi
Here are some (mostly) real spoken or written sentences. Use the be + infinitive structure
to complete them with verbs from the box. Use a dictionary if necessary.
assemble bloom continue deliver follow get through inspect
plan report
tidy up
eight lectures on ciassical myhology next term.
1 Professor Loach ........
. . a guard of honour.
2 On his arrival at the airport, the general
we need your support today.
children,
for
homeless
care
.
.
providing
3 If we
... another
if
is
vital
they
4 Young soldiers quickly learn that a good breakfast
.
.
demanding day.
itforanylengthof time.
5 Anynewdiethastobesimpleifyou.........
the best way of getting therel
.........
if
going
you
where
you're
know
6 You have to
for Christmas.
........
if
they
7 Thechrysanthemums mustbe planted right away
... their room before they watch TV.
8 The children
in the front courtyard.
9 In case offire, all staff...........
... to the reception desk.
10 All visitors
For the past form of this structure (I ||as to ... etc), see page 37.
For passive uses (e.g. fo be taken three times a day), see page 103.
ffi
34
tmagine you are a parent who is going out for the evening, leaving two teenagers
alone in the house. Write three instructions beginning'You're to'and three beginning
'You're not to'.
PRESENTAND FUTURE
future progressive
We use the future progressive
(will
be
...ing) to
say that something
will be in progress at a
certain time in the future.
This time next Tuesday I'll be lying on the beach.
be able to park here tomorrow; they'll be mending the road.
\bu won't
@
Wnat will you be doing at ten otlock tomorrow morning (or some other time, if you prefer)?
@ Write three things that you will certainly not
be doing at ten
otlock tomorrow morning
(or some other time, if you prefer).
polite enquiries A common use of the future progressive is to ask politely 'What have you already
decided?' Compare:
Will you write to Oliver? (request or order)
Are you going to write to Oliver? (perhaps pressing for a decision)
Will you be writing to Oliver? (just asking about plans)
S
tvtafe future progressive questions to ask somebody politely:
>
I
when they are planning to go shoppin g.
when they intend to pay the rent.
2
who they plan to invite
3
how soon they intend to come back.
4
when they plan to go home.
5
where they are planning to stay.
6
what time they are planning to have breakfast.
7
what they plan to study at university.
8
whether they expect to use the car.
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